Catholic Charities - Serve & Lift Center - Kansas City

Catholic CharitiesFood PantryDrive UpWalk-in
8001 Longview Rd, Kansas City, Missouri 64134

Who Can Visit?

The Serve and Lift Center at Catholic Charities is open to the public. To be eligible, you must live within the 27-county region served by Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph. When you arrive, please bring a valid ID. You do not need to be Catholic to receive help. According to the organization, 85% of the people they serve do not identify as Catholic.

Items Needed for Registration

Bring a valid photo ID when you visit. The pantry requires that you show ID upon arrival.

How Often You Can Visit?

You may visit to receive food once every 30 days.

Good to Know

Visitors have shared that the pantry feels welcoming and judgment-free, and that the process is very fast. One visitor said they were in and out in less than 20 minutes. Another shared that they received fresh food, meat, cereal, grains, and more. The center also offers an online ordering option where you can place an order and then receive a call to arrange a pickup time, sometimes as soon as the next day. The parking lot can be a little confusing, so look for signs directing you to the main entrance, which does not face the street.

Food and Essentials

The Market at the Serve and Lift Center offers a wide variety of nutritious food. Visitors can find fresh food, meat, cereal, grains, and care products. One visitor described the pantry as having "fresh food meat cereal grains anything you can think of." Another noted receiving "variety of food and care products." The pantry aims to meet taste preferences, cultural food needs, and the dietary needs of people managing chronic medical conditions.

How to Pick Up

The Market operates as a client-choice pantry where families may choose their own food from available nutritious selections. Volunteers help bag groceries and deliver them to your car after you shop. There is also an online ordering option where you can input your order online, receive a call, and arrange a time to pick up your groceries.

Additional Support

Catholic Charities offers many services beyond food:

  • Employment Services: Free job readiness workshops are held every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Kansas City location. A Job Club meets every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon for one-on-one help with resumes and online job searches. No appointment is needed. Email jobassistance@ccharities.com or call 816-398-6894 for more information.
  • Financial Literacy Classes: Held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at 8001 Longview Road. Topics include budgeting, debt management, credit building and repair, and money management. No appointment needed.
  • Emergency Financial Assistance: Rent and utility help is available. Call Monday mornings at 8:15 a.m. at 816-221-4377 to access these benefits, which are given on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Veteran Services: A housing program supports veterans experiencing homelessness through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families grant.
  • Housing Services: Permanent scattered-site housing is available for chronically homeless, disabled, and low-income senior residents.
  • Children and Family Services: Programs include Mom's Empowerment for pregnant women, parenting support, child development services, and adoption services.
  • Referrals: If Catholic Charities cannot meet a need directly, they will refer you to community partners in their extensive network.

Ways to Give

Catholic Charities welcomes financial donations to support their programs across the 27-county service area. You can donate online at catholiccharities-kcsj.org/donate/. Checks can be mailed to:

PO Box 414378 WS#186, Kansas City, MO 64141

You may also give through stock transfers, IRA distributions, or estate plans. Contact jbreuer@ccharities.com for details on stock transfers or legacy gifts. You can also donate a vehicle through the Cars4KC program at cars4kc.com. For general donation questions, call 816-221-4377 or email assistance@ccharities.com.

How to Join the Team?

Catholic Charities welcomes adult volunteers, student volunteers, groups, and interns. You can apply by filling out the appropriate volunteer application online. For more information, contact volunteers@ccharities.com or call 816-659-8205. The Serve and Lift Center South KC is located at 8001 Longview Road, Kansas City, MO 64134. You can also reach the pantry directly at 816-882-4781 or email pantry@ccharites.com. Visit serveandliftcenter.org for more details.

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